Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jan 19: The Udupi Sri Krishna Math has enforced a strict dress code for all devotees, making it mandatory for male devotees to remove their shirts before entering the temple premises. The directive, issued by the Paryaya Shirur Math, came into effect on Monday, January 19.

According to the revised guidelines, the dress code will be strictly implemented for devotees entering the temple. Women devotees are required to wear modest and traditional attire, while entry will be denied to both men and women wearing jeans, T-shirts, sleeveless outfits or other non-traditional clothing, temple authorities said.

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In addition, male devotees must remove their shirts before entering the inner precincts of the temple. Earlier, this practice was applicable only to devotees attending the early morning Mahapuja before 11 am. Under the new regulation, however, the rule will now be enforced throughout the day, regardless of the time of visit.

Temple authorities said the decision was taken to preserve the sanctity, discipline and traditional customs of the historic Sri Krishna Math. “The objective is to ensure that age-old temple traditions are upheld and respected by all devotees,” an official said.

Devotees have been requested to co-operate with the temple administration and strictly adhere to the prescribed dress code while visiting the revered shrine.